Faribault County, Minnesota - Chapter 3, 1896

Chapter 3

The year 1857 begun in the midst of one the severest winters ever known in this country. The snows lay very deep on the level prairies and great drifts, lying in every direction, rendered traveling almost impossible.

During the winter, there was nothing to break the monotony, even in the two so-called villages, except the arrival of the weekly mail, bringing letters and papers from the great world, from whicli the people here were as much isolated as if they were situated on a distant island of the ocean. Sometimes the mail carrier, venturesome as any man, owing to the deep snows and unbroken roads, failed to get through for days after his expected arrival, causing great disappointment and many surmises.

The only event of public, or private importance, occuring during the winter, was the meeting of this board, and is the flrst meeting of which any record exists. The members of the board were Moses Sailor, C. W. Wilson and William M. Scott. They assembled on the fifth day of January and organized by electing Mr. Scott chairman for the year. James B. Wakefield was clerk. The board proceeded to divide the county into three districts for assessment purposes, but this act was simply a matter of high formality, as it was not intended to have an assessment, or levy any tax, and none was levied, until the next year. A few petitions for roads were examined. The only existing roads then were Indian trails. After a session of a few hours the board adjourned.

Legislation

The Eighth Territorial Legislature assembled at St. Paul, January seventh and adjourned March seventh. An extra session was held in April and May. The tenth district, of which this county was a part, was represented at this session by P. P. Humphery in the council, and Joseph R. Brown, Francis Baasen and O. A. Thomas in the house. No one of them resided in this county. The legislation at this and the extra session following, relating directly to this county, consisted of the following acts: -

An act to incorporate the town of Winnebago City, approved February I'Jth, section 2 enacted, "That for the good order and improvement of said town, Andrew C. Dunn be and hereby is appointed president; E. H. Burrit, C. H. Parker, James Sherlock and W. N. Dunham be and hereby are appointed trustees."

An act passed May 19th, incorporating Blue Earth City in these words: - "That so much land as is contained in the plat of Blue Earth City, in the county of Faribault, as the same is platted and recoi'ded, be and the same is hereby created a town corporate, by the name of Blue Earth City." This is probably the shortest, most indefinite and unsatisfactory incorporation act on record.

An act detaching this county from Blue Earth county, to which it had been attached for judicial purposes in 1856. It was thought that this county had now become able to stand alone. But little business of a judicial character, originating in this county, had been transacted during the union. For many years however, after the separation, persons who were committed by the courts in this county, were sent to the common jail of Blue Earth county and this county footed the bills. An act placing this county in the third judicial district, passed May 23d. By this act the judge of the district court was authorized to hold terms of court in this county and also, in his discretion, to appoint a clerk of court for this county.

Also an act passed May 23d establishing the county of Martin and defining its boundaries, by which one tier of four townships, on the west end of this county, being in range twenty nine, was detached from this county and included in the territory of Martin county. The people of this county were asleep, even snoring, or grossly negligent at this particular time, especially the proprietors of Blue Earth City. The interests of Blue Earth City at least, demanded that the eastern tier of townships - range twenty-four, should have been taken off, if any, and the western tier, range twenty-nine, retained as that would have brought Blue Earth City. the county seat, very near the geographical center of the county, and save a world of trouble afterwards. The pi-oceeding was in fact a bit of sharp practice, quite current in those days and which bore the euphonious name of "Sculduggery."

It was at this session of the legislature that the famous act was passed for the removal of the seat of government - the Capital - from St. Paul to St. Peter. But the bill very mysteriously disappeared before it became a law and the whole project fell through to the great joy of St. Paul. The great questions of public interest, among the leading politicians and others, during the winter and spring, were the procuring of a state organization and grants of public lands from the general government to aid in the construction of railroads. Accordingly the "Enabling Act," authorizing the people of the territory to form a constitution preparatory to the admission of Minnesota into the Union, was passed by congress, February 26th, and later in the session, a large grant of lauds wasmade for railroads. These important events necessitated an extra session of the legislature which met on the 27th of April and adjourned May 25th.

Local Affairs

Turning again to our county affairs, we quote briefly, as illustrative of the local events of the times, the conditions of the country and the progress of settlement, from the Journal of an old settler, who came into the county in the spring of this year:

April 2d, 1857. Set out this morning early from Mankato for Blue Earth City, forty-five miles distant, on horseback, in company with Mr. Dow, the Blue Earth City mail carrier and a Mr. A. C. Dunn, a young lawyer and one of the town proprietors of Winnebago City. Made but twenty-two miles to-day and stopped for the night at a lonely log cabin iu the edge of the timber, the proprietor of which, is a Mr. Gregory. The roads are terrible. I was never so tired, besides having had nothing to eat all day, I was as hungry as a wolf when I got here. When I reached here, I thought I had never seen in my life a house look so friendly and hospitable as this old cabin. We soon had a warm supper of salt pork, beans, slapjacks and barley coffee and felt much revived. This seems a very sparsely settled and desolated region. But it is lime to retire, as we start early in the morning.

April 3d. We got a good breakfast and started early this morning. Mr. Dunn remained at Gregory's, being ill. Dow and 1 liad but one horse and a very poor one at that. We rode and walked alternately, but both mainly walked. The roads were very bad, even worse than yesterday. We waded sloughs from one to three feet deep in soft snow and water. At other places the mud was from six to twelve inches deep. The wind blew quite hard and chilly all day. It was about ten o'clock when we crossed the north county line, of this county, to which fact Dow called my attention, as though it was a matter of grave importance. I did not observe anything very remarkable. On the right in the timber, was a small log cabin, on the east a boundless prairie and right before us was another wretched slough to be crossed, which was full three feet deep of water, ice and snow. We pulled through it on foot and also pulled the horse through, as he was blind.

About twelve o'clock we reached Winnebago City, but there is cio city there, to speak of. In fact there is no town at all, but there is a magnificent, roomy place to build a town. I should think they could build a town there the size of London and not be cramped much. I observed there only a log house of some size, one-and-one-half story high and apparently not finished, which Dow said was intended for a hotel, also one other small log building at which we stopped. It proved to be a store kept by one T, Foley. He has a few dry goods, some tobacco, soap, cod fish and a barrel of whisky. Foley is post master and he oyerhauled the mail and seemed entirely happy and insisted en trealing^ several times. The driver, 1 observed, took some, iifter which we moved on our way much refreshed by the short rest. Wo reached another cabin about one o'clock, where wecat a prodigious dinner of salt pork, beans, potatoes and some Kood bread. This settler's name is Stoddard, and he said that he was the first settler in that locality. After dinner we moved on for our destination and after a liard tramp of a couple of hours, reached the east branch of the Blue Earth river, which we crossed IhrouKh a foot of water on the ice and about four o'clock we entered on the sacred soil of the town site of Blue Earth City and stopped at this hotel, which is called the Metropolitan. And this is Blue Earth City! It strikes me that the reputation of the.se western towns generally, is much inflated. Tomorrow I shall look the place over. It Is quite plain now that I should have gone to St. Paul, as 1 llrst intended, instead of drifting so far out on the frontier.

April 4th. After a liearty break last this morning of potatoes, beans, slapjacks and tea (the pork has run out), I felt ([uite well and ready to prospect. I walked out and took a view of the Metropolitan, which is fjuite a large log building. It has a wing in the rear, which is used for a kitchen. The kitchen and a part of the main building only, appear to be finished. They say this is the largest building in tlie county and the only one entitled to the name of house. Nearly opposite the hotel is a one story log building, about fourteen by twenty feet, which is occupied by Messrs. Grout as a frontier storeand dwelling, being the only store in the county, except the one at Winnebago City. Prospecting further, I found that there are six other small, one story, log cabins scattered aliout within a circuit of about half a mile. The population of the place is about Iwi'nty-two, large and small, and this is abo\it all there is of this much talked of "city." After dinner had a talk with the landlord. lie says his name is Constans and that he is one of the town proprietors and that he came here over a year ago - says he came from France, via the Alantic^ocean, New Orleans, the Mississippi river, St. Paul, Shakopee and several other places, to this county. He speaks with a strong Franco-German accent. From our conversation I learn that there are as yet, in the county, no newspapers, no courts, no schools, no churches, no doctors, no mechanics at work, no laid out roads, no bridges, and that there are but a few settlers and they are settled in the timber and about the lakes, and that the prairies are all vacant. It appears that there are not twi farms in the county of ten acres of plowed land ; that the people are all poor and that nobody is doing anything, and no one wanting to do anything, but, as the landlord says, all are contented and happy in the prospects of the future. Prospects, that is it, everything rests on prospects. Was introduced by Mr. Constans to one George B. Kingsley, a boarder at this hotel, Mr. Kingsley says he is a New Yorker - has ."ome interest in the town and a claim near by - says he is postmaster here, but the business does not warrant keeping an office and hence he carries the mail matter in his pocket, for convenience and safety - says that he is justice of the peace, the first and only one in the county, hut that he has never had any business in that line and don't want any. He seems quite frank and very hopeful of the future. Here two other men came in, one Wakefield, who is a very large man, and one Tennesen, ([uite a small man. The curious thought struck me, that if these two persons were equalized they would make two averaged sized men. I was introduced. I learned that Mr. Tennesen is a settlerholding a "claim." Mr. Wakefield is also one of the town proprietors - a lawyer by profession, and is the Register of Deeds.

The conversation continued in relation.to the county and the prospects of this town. All seemed to think this county one of the best in the territory, having a good soil, fair distribution of timber, good water and healtiiy. The village too is quite near the center of the county and is now the county seat. It was said also that the Keokulc, Fort Des Moines and Minnesota railroad, was now being built in Iowa, and will run from Fort Dodge to Mankato, this town, being on the direct line and the road will undoubtedly be built as far as this place, within two years at the furthest! They say the assurances are also very good that the United States land office, now located in the eastern part of the territory may soon be removed to this place, that is in a year or two probably. After some farther talk we all went over to Grout's store - was introduced to Lewis P. Grout. While there a Mr. Sailor came in and was introduced to him, as the first settler of this county. He gave me his hand and a hearty welcome to Faribault county. All present expressed the wish that I should decide to remain here. Soon after I returned to the hotel and went to tea and am now spending a quiet evening by the stove, jotting down the events of the day. While I can hardly believe that all the hopes of these people will be realized, yet I will say that I am much impressed with their courteous manners and affable conversation. I suppose I shall have to conclude to remain here, for a while at least. In the first place I am about out of money. In the second place the roads have become nearly impassable and in the third place, while everything here seems to be "prospects" the prospects certainly rest on the substratum of a good country. I shall leave the decision until to-morrow.

The commissioQers met again on the 6th day of April. A new election district was established comprising all the territory of the county lying north of a line commencing at the northwest corner of section nineteen, township one hundi'ed and three, range twentynine and running thence east to the boundary of the county. This district was named Winnebago City Precinct and W. N. Towndrow, H. T. Stoddard and E. Crosby were appointed judges of election and H. H. Bigelow, constable. The remainder of the county constituted Blue Earth City Precinct, and Albin Johnson, Allen Shultis and Benj. Gray were appointed judges of election and S. B. Miller, constable. Prior to this division the whole county constituted one election district. The county was now also divided into three road districts and Philip Chesley, O. N. Gardner and Dewitt Paddock, were appointed road supervisors. The board appointed Jas. B. Wakefield, judge of probate, L. P. Grout, county treasui'er and H. P. Constans, sheriff. The petition of John Clabaugh and others, for the formation of a school district - the first one in the county - was presented and acted upon. The commissioners subsequently held meetings, as follows, on July 6th and 25th, Sept. 6th, Oct. 26th and Nov. 2d. The public interests required frequent meetings of the board. The action of the board at these several meetings of historical interest, is noted elsewhere.

Thk Indian Excitement

Early in the spring occasional rumors reached the few settlers scattered through the county, of coming Indian troubles and afforded grounds for serious apprehensions. Immediatly on the north of the county, lay the Winnobago Indian reservation and not more than seventy-five miles distant, on the upper Minnesota, was the Sioux reservation. Peace had long existed between these tribes and the whites, but the Indians were restless and dissatisfied, especially the Sioux. The people here were without any special protection and the Indians roamed over the country unmolested, hunting and fishing. They disturbed no one and peace and quiet reigned Avithin the county, but troublous times were near at hand. That the reader may have a proper understanding of the events about to happen, it is necessary that a brief account should be given of

The Spirit Lake Massacre

In Ddrlhwestem Iowa, a few miles from the Minnesota bounrlary. there is a lake known as Spirit Lake. In the spring of 1856, persons from Ked Wing, Minnesota, had visited this place and determined to lay off a town. In the winter of IS.'JT there were six or seven Iok' cabins on the border of the lake. About fifteen or twenty miles north in Minnesota, there was also a small place called SprinKfleld. For several years Inkpaduta, a Wapckuta Dakota, liad lieen roving about with a few outlaws, being driven away from their own people by internal difficulties. These Indians were hunting in northwestern Iowa, when one was bitten by a white man's dog, which he killed. The whites then proceeded to the Indian's camp and disarmed them, liut they soon supplied themselves again. After this they arrived on Sunday, the 8th of March, at Sjiirit Lake. They p'oceeded to a cabin where only men dwelt, and asked fo' beef. Understanding, as they assert, that they had permission to kill one of the cattle they did so and commenced cutting it up, when one of the white men came out and knocked down one of the Dakotas. For this act the settler was shot and another one coming out of the cabin he was also killed. Surrounding the house, the Indians now fired the thatched roof and as the men ran out all were killed making the whole number eleven. About the sametime, the Indians went to the house of a frontierman, by the name of Gardner and demanded food and all the food in tlie house was given them. The son-in-law and another man left to go and .see if all was right in the neighboring cabin, hut they never came back. Toward night excited by the blood they, the Indians, had been spilling through the day, they came back again to Mr. Gardners house and soon killed him, dispatching his wife, two daughters and grand children, carried off Abby, the surviving daughter. The next day they continued their fiendish work and brought into camp Mrs. Thatcher and Mrs. Noble. » » » On Thursday, the 12th day of March, an Indian who had been on friendly terms with Marble's family, called at his house and told them that the white people below them on the lake had been nippoed (killed) a day or two previously. - * »

The next day (the 13th), quite early in the forenoon, four Indians came to Marble's house and were admitted. They proposed to swap rifles with Marble and the terms were soon agreed upon. After the swap the chief suggested that they should go out on the lake and shoot at a mark. Marble assented. After a few discharges they turned to come in the direction of the house, when the savages allowed Marble to go a few paces ahead and Immediately shot him down. Mrs. Marble saw her husband fall and ran to him. The Indians seized her and told her they would not kill her, but would take her with them. They carried her in triumph to the camp whither they had previously taken the three other white women. * * * Inkpaduta and party now proceeded to Springfield, where they slaughtered the whole settlement about the 27th of March. * * »

The four captive women were forced by day to carry heavy burdens through deep snow and at nightfall they were .made to cut wood and set up the tent and after dark, to be subject to the Indignities that suggested themselves to savages.

Mrs. Thatcher and Mrs. Noble were soon after killed and Mrs. Marble and Miss Gardner were rescued, all having suffered cruelties too atrocious to name.

The reports of these diabolical deeds spread consternation throughout the territory, but especially along the frontiers which were entirely unguarded. No one knew to what extent the massacre would be carried nor of how many of the Indians were engaged in it.

How the news reached Blue Earth City and the consequent excitement and general results in this county, with many other interesting facts of this time, is best stated in the words of the Old Settler's Journal written at the time, from which we quoted above.

April 13th. We were suddenly awakened last night about twelve o'clock by the arrival of C. W. Wilson and A. Morris, who had been to Mankato on business, who informed us in a hurried and frightened manner of terrible murders by the Indians and that the Sioux were now coming upon us from the north and that the settlers along the river were being murdered and their cab- Ins burned. They had abandoned two loads of provisions on the way, which they had bought at Mankato, as they could not delay to bring them on. They urged us strongly to leave at once and then hastened on to inform the people southward on the river, to flee for their lives. The question arose for decision at once, what shall be done? There was here in the hotel, Mr. Kingsley, Mr. and Mrs. Constans and myself. Messrs Wakefield and Tenneson and the two Grouts were in their cabins near by. They came in, when a hurried consultation was had. We were few in number and we had but few arms and but little ammunition. Would it not be best to go? On the other hand the night was dark, quite cold and the wind blowing very hard and there was but one way out, that is into Iowa and we should have to cross wide, unsettled prairies for forty miles to any known habitation, and we had no conveyance of any kind. Here, too, in the village were six or seven women, two of whom are ill. If we went they would have to be abandoned. We decided to stay, gather all into the hotel, fort up the best we could at once, and fight it out. Before daylight some thirty men with their families arrived from the neighboring settlement, but many others insisted on going on, and struck out over the prairies for Iowa. God help them! They must suffer much, yet they may be taking the wisest course. None knows what the result will be. We proceeded to fortify the house the best we fould with our lliiiitecl lueans, anil when daylight came, we found we liud surtU-lent arms and ammunition, witli what had been brought In, to stand a pretty lon^t siege. More people arrived during the day with additional arms and ammunition. A terrible dread and suspense seems to rest upon all. A strong' guard will be placed out to-night.

April 14th. Evening. lA sort of military organization was elTected this morning. J. li. (lillit. who says he was In the "Patriot war" in Canada, was elected captain, and S. R Miller, who saw service In Mi'.xico, was chosen lieutenant These are the only men jjresent who havi- had any military exp erience. A portion of the company was set to building a barricade at a distance of about thirty feet from the house, and another party was directed to build a sort of rude bridge across the cast branch to facilitate the passage of the people from the north and east to the fort. Not expecting an attack during the day, the people were distributed among the various cabins for convenience, but all to return to the fort in the evening. A number of settlers came in to-day and there is much excitement and many rumors. Many from insullicient clottiing are suffering from cold. The children look half frozen. I was once on guard last night and guards will be stationed out to-night again. Each guard remains out one hour, which, considering the cold, is long enough. There are five on each watch stationed around the house at a distance of fifteen to twenty rods. The practical use of these guards I don't see, but our business Is to obey.

April 15th, 10 A. M. I was twice on guard last night and have slept but three hours since the beginning of the excitement. No one could sleep much here: thu very dead would almost wake up in the hubbuband turmoil of screaming children, crying women and incessant running to and fru. No further news has been received this morning, but it was concluded to send a messenger to Mankato, to learn the condition of affairs. Mr. Dow volunteerq4 to go and has gone, but it is thought quite risky. Two others went out in quest of several persons who went to their homes yesterday and were to return last evening, but did not.

6 o'clock P. M. The party sent out after the missing men found tlieni and all have just returned together. They report that they saw no signs of Indians but early this morning they heard four or five gun shots in the distance in a locality which the settlers had all left and are now here at the fort, and it is thought the Indians are skulking about there. I am much rested having had a sleep of two hours this afternoon, though the bed was not a very good one - only a blanket spread on the floor in the corner of the room. Just had supper - salt pork, just brought in, fried, potatoes considerably frozen, boiled, corn bread and fat. Board five dollars per week and "accommodations the best the country alfords."

April Ifith, 9 A. M. On guard once last night No further news this morning. A s(iuad was just sent out for some kind of provisions. Slept but little last night. Noise, noise, confusion, all the time, night and day. Getting very tired of this and who is not.

12 M. Three strangers - hangdog looking fellows - just arrived frotu below and say that the reports we have heard are greatly exaggerated and that there Is no real danger. They are going on south. There is something in the manner of these men that is not just right and it is believed that they are lying for some purpose. I think myself, however, they are not far from the truth as to the reports.

3 P. M. William Granger, one of the founders of the Spirit Lake settlement and another gentleman of the same name, have just arrived from Spirit Lake, sixty miles west. They report that forty persons were slaughtered at

Spirit Lake and Springfield, all the settlers there, but four women, who were taken prisoners. All the other women were outraged and killed. Messrs. Grangers say that the Indians are prowling all along the frontier, in small bands, and that we must keep the closest watch. These men reside in Rod Wing, and being interested in the Spirit Lake settlement, when they heard of the massacre went there at once. After a brief rest they proceeded on their way to Red Wing. This news being reliable, the people are much alarmed and it seems reasonably so. The officers say that there will be two guards on each beat placed out to-night. Why have there been no troops sent on to the frontier?

April 17th, 9 A. M. Last night we had the windows strongly barricaded and guns loaded and placed around the walls, ready for instant use. I was on guard but once last night. I tried during the night to get some sleep on the floor by the stove, and some others tried the same experiment. It was chiefly a failure. There was an incessant howling of dogs all night, crying of childen up stairs, ceaseless jabbering and punching of the tires. Was there ever such a bedlam outside of a mad house ? But I cannot blame the people much: I am beginning to feel a little ugly myself.

3 P.M. Dow has just returned from Mankato. He says many of the settlers are leaving the country. Some few have decided to stay and are forting up at various places along the river. Quite a number are forted up at Winnebago City and at Stoddard's. He says that at Mankato and other places many say they believe there will be a general attack by the Indians all along the frontier and they are preparing for it. Two persons just arrived from Walnut Lake. They say that they saw a number of Winnebagoes near the lake, who were returning to their reservation and who informed them that the Sioux were coming in four days. Tomorrow will be the fourth day.

7 P. M. This evening a few of those who had fled to Iowa returned having found secure places for their families there and they have come back to render what assistance they can and to look after their effects. They report a terrible time of suffering - frozen hands and feet, starvation and fright.

Oapt. Gillit announces that the provisions are about out. I thought they were about out for some time past. Kingsley thinks "Hank" ought to give us some deduction on tlie price of board, as he and I are the only regular cash boarders and the others all get their frozen potatoes, barley coff -e and johnny cake for nothing.

April 18th, 7 P. M. This was a cold stormy day. Scott to-day brought in a sack of white flour, some good potatoes and some other articles of food, which he has kept hid somewhere until to-day. Hank told us privately, that we should have a good dinner and we had. To-day the case of Adams vs. Ahrens was tried before Geo. B. Kingsley, justice of the peace. J. A. Kiester appeared for the plaintiff and one Haggin for the defendant. Judgment was rendered for the plaintiff. Wakefield, Amicus Curiae, assisted the court in settling points of law. It was a queer time and place for a law suit. Quite a large number of spectators were present and considerable interest was manifested in the matter. I am informed that this is the first law suit which has ever occurred in the county. If the savages desolate the country, it may also be the last for some years at least.

April 19th, Sunday evening 6 P. M. I was on guard twice last night, but got some sleep near morning. The people here are wearied out and they rested quietly all day until evening, when now the excitement is as great as ever. Several persons who have to-day been out in the country, have returned and report having seen, about eight miles out, six Indians, who flred upon them, but fortunately they had not been hit. They made all haste to get in and believe the red devils are coming. The people are gathering in and are much aliirmed. I must say it looks much as though the hour had come. Must these fair and fertile lands and new licinieslie nlven up to savage occupancy?

April 20lh, A. M. No guards wore placed out last night, as it was thought too risky. I have thought all along that the guards were of little use in case of an attack. Soon after dark last evening, a meeting was called for consultation and after an immense amount of jangling, it was concluded to send the women and childen away in the morning, under a strong guard, unless indeed we should he attacked (luring the night. Hut no Indians have appeared yet.

12 M. Great division and dissatisfaction exists among the people. Some talk of risking the possible danger and leave the country. Others want to remain. What is best to be done is' the (|ueslion. We cannot forever remain here forted up. It will wliolly ruin three fourths of our people to remove. Many are very poor and have large families and all have spent their ready means in living during the winter and in getting ready to do something this spring and summer. Where shall they go to, and exposed as they shall be on the roads may they not be attacked and killed. It was concluded impracticable to send the women and children away, as talked last night.

9 P. M. Tills aflernoDU about a dozen of the farmers cf)ncluded to return to their lands vvitli their families, take the risk of whatever danger there may be and go to work. They decided that this is the best of the only two practicable ways, either all leave the country, or all remain and put in their crops and raise something to live on. But they returned to their homes very reluctantly and with many fears. They are not to lie blamed. There are many difficult questions connected with the situation just now, which noonecan solve. The Indians may, or may not be, very near us. Wehave no definite knowledge on any point upon which we can act. In an hour from now the demoniac war-hoop of the savages may be heard. There is nothing to prevent their coming. There are still some fifteen men here in the fort and we could show a pretty strong resistance to an attack, but how would it be with those who have gone to their homes?

April 2Ist, 6 P. M. All retired to rest last night at a late hour and put out no watch. All claim that they slept soundly and perhaps safely and to-day was spent lounging alifiut in the easiest places we could find. Oh the wearing suspense. If we could only learn something definite.

April 22d, 10 A. M. Slept well last night. Quite a number of people leaving this morning and others are talking of going. There are many contrary opinions. Some say there are no assurances of any degree of safety here. The people are all scattered now, and we have no protection and the very silence and comparative quiet which now exists, may be like the calm before a storm. One man with a very large family of children, all small, begs with tears that the younger men will not go away. He says he cannot go - has no money, no conveyance and no place to go to. There are many others in equally poor circumstances. These people cannot be deserted and most of those who talked of going, say they will stay. Is the government doing nothing? It has always been too slow in protecting the \^-estern frontiers.

4 P. M. Just received news from the north of a reliable character that the Indians arc now not near us and that the United States troops are on the way to the west and northwest of us to be there stationed for the protection of the country. This is indeed good news Several persons start out into the country to carry the glad tidings to the people. Some of those who left this morning, having heard the good news on the way, returned this evening. The confidence of the people much restored and a (luiet joy tieams from every face. God bless the good old government, after all. Thus ends, for the present at least, this mean, fearful, bloodless, dirty, hungry, cold and wretched Indian excitement, the first in the history of the county and I hope the last.

Alas ! how futile this hope. Had the writer of the Journal possessed the power of the seer, to know the future, he might have seen in his visions, the red specter of an infuriated demon, brandishing a tomahawk dripping in blood, prophetic of a coming day, not long delayed, of death and desolation. But it should not be thought that the people felt entirely secure - far from it. Nothing but stern necessity drove them to their homes and kept them there. Much the same dread and fearful apprehensions were upon all for many months, notwithstanding the troops were now in the country. The barking of a dog in the silent hours of the night, unusual noises borne upon the winds, the light of fires reflected in the midnight sky, unusual delay in the return of the absent, the reports of gun firing in the distance, unusual stillness, even the peculiar whistling of the wind around the log cabin, the calling of birds, or the dismal howl of the wolf, created uneasiness with the nervous, lonely settler on the frontier, and not without reason, for often in the traditions of the border, these things proved to be the omens of death, for the Indian is a silent, sudden, crafty and cruel foe, whose artifices and cunning few can match. Much the same experiences were had, during the Indian excitement at Winnebago City and one or two other places, as those detailed at Blue Earth City.

Steam Saw Mills

During the sjiring of this year, a steam saw mill was erected at Winnebago City, being the first one in the county, and about the middle of June another was erected and put in operation at Blue Earth City. The starting of these mills was an important event in the business affairs and prosperity of the county. Prior to the erection of these mills building was almost impossible, as lumber could only be had at great expense. Only log houses had been built before, but now frame dwellings could be erected. Each of these mills could turn out lumber at the rate of about 2,500 to 3,000 feet per day. An average of about forty dollars per thousand feet was charged. The effects were soon apparent, especially in the villages. New houses were built, log houses repaired, fences put up, and these signs of improvement greatly encouraged the people. These mills were the first manufacturing establishments in the county. The proprietor of a saw mill in those days, was deemed a "great man" and a power in the land. But we have long since ceased to use native lumber. As railroads were built it became convenient to get pine. The old mills long ago disappeared and so also have the original mill proprietors.

The spring of this year was late and cold. CJold weather and high winds continuing until about the middle of Maj'. It was the latest and coldest spring which has yet been known here. The ground did not become fit for seeding until near the last of May. A little seeding, however, was done on the higher grounds as early as April l'7th. Some remnants of the deep snow drifts of the winter, were seen as late as the fourth day of Julj*. on the north side of the river bluffs, in the timber, near [^Blue Earth City. Yet vegetation never obtained a ranker, or more rapid growth, than it did in that year, and the crops in Minnesota were very abundant for the area cultivated. As there was yet but little land under cultivation, the crops in this count j' were merely nominal.

It may be of interest to some to know the prices current of staple articles at this time. Flour was $4.50 and corn meal 83.00 per hun dred; corn 81.00 and potatoes 75 cents per bushel; butter 30 cents, salt pork 25 cents, tea 81.00, sugar 18 cents, coffee 25 cents, chewing tobacco 8100, smoking tobacco 60 cents each per pound: sheeting 18 cents per yard; whisky 80 cents and brandy 75 cents per pint and pint flasks 15 cents each.

For prices current in the earlier years of the county, the writer is indebted to the account books of Mr. Isreal S. Mead, who was engaged in mercantile pursuits during a number of those j'ears.

Constitutional Convention

Under the Enabling Act above referred to. aCJonstitutional Convention to consist of one hundred and eight members (each Council district to elect two for each Councilman and Representative, to which it was entitled), was authorized to meet at the Capital on the second Monday of July, to frame a State Constitution and submit the same to the people of the Territor3\ The election for members was held on the first Monday of June.

On the 13th day of July, the delegates met, but owing to a disagreement as to the hour of meeting, the Republican members met and organized one body and the Democratic members also organized separately. Each of these bodies claiming to be the legal Constitutional Convention, proceeded with the work of forming an instrument to be submitted to the people. After some daj's an understanding was effected between them and by means of committes of conference the same Constitution was framed and adopted by both bodies. On being submitted to the people at the general election October 13th, it was ratified.

New Apportionment

The Constitutional Convention redistricted tlie Territory for Legislative purposes, by which action the counties of Faribault and Freeborn were constituted the Fourteenth Senatorial district and was entitled to one senator and thx-ee representatives.

Indians Again

About the middle of July, the frontier settlements were again agitated and put in great fear by rumors afloat on the borders, that the Indians were preparing for another attack on the white settlers. Government had failed as yet to punish the Spirit Lake murderers and the Indians generally of the north-west had grown insolent and made many threats. On the 20th, a meeting was called of the people of Blue Earth City and vicinity, to eifect some sort of military organization. A company was formed, of which James Decker was elected captain, J. A. Kiester, first lieutenant and H. P. Constans, second lieutenant, and it was determined to build a large block house, for a fort. . The company roll and subscription list of work and money for the block house, are still in the hands of the writer. Arms and ammunition were to be procured from the Governor, but the arms never came and the fort was not built, and in a few days the excitement died out, to be renewed again about the 9th of August. On that day several settlers who resided at Chain Lakes, arrived at Blue Earth City and reported that the Indians were about the Lakes and that one Indian and one white man - a Mr. Britt - had been shot and the people there wanted assistance. The people at the lakes had built a fort of logs and named it Port Britt. It was a building of six sides, each side being twenty feet long. It was one story high and had a battlement around the top six feet high, which projected over the lower story all around, some six feet. It had required a great deal of labor and has quite a strong and commodious fortification. As requested, a small company on horseback went from Blue Earth City to the Port where they found most of the people gathered and much " alarmed. It appeared that Mr. Britt, who had been down in the timber several days previous, had been shot at by one of a company of Indians and slightly wounded, and he returned the fire and probably killed the Indian, as he was seen to fall when the others fled, and Mr. Britt hurried home. The company scoured the woods and the country about the lakes, but found no Indians and they returned home next day just as well satisfied as though they had got into a fight and been scalped. These rumors and excitements occurred at intervals during the whole year and kept the people in a state of constant anxiety and dread.

atrocities of maiming and torturing, which they usually inflict upon their victims, is quite another thing.and it is not a matter of surprise that when apparently well founded rumors that the savages were coming, reached the people of the frontier, scattered and unprotected, that the cheeks of strong men turned pal«^, and women grew wild with terror. And he is much of a braggart and more of a coward, who would affect to sneer at or ridicule the alarm of the people under such circumstances.

The Financial Panic

Probably the most extraordinary, violent and destructive financial panic ever known in America occurred in this year. The times for some years preceding the panic were characterized by the great amount of debts of individuals and corporations and almost incredible extravagance and wild speculations. Cities, corporations, banks and individuals, were drained of money to construct unproductive railroads, or to invest in western land speculations. The whole western country, especially the territories, was swarming with land speculators, dealing in wild lands, paper cities and great schemes of improvement. Lands and lots were sold often at fabulous prices. Great railroad lines were projected, companies formed and stock sold. These operations with others of a similar character, made money scarce everywhere where it was properly needed and diverted thousands of men and millions of capital from legitimate and productive business. The inevitable result came, the great bubble suddenly collapsed. The Ohio Life and Trust Company, an immense moneyed institution, led off sometime in August in the failures. Then followed the banks, companies, corporations and individuals, all going down in bankruptcy and ruin. In the graphic words of a writer on the subject "all over the land, east, west, north, south, the dark days of fear, alarm and ruin settled down upon the people and panic raged like a pestilence." The excitement became terrible. Crowds of depositors and others interested, rushed upon the banks and other institutions demanding their dues, and mobs gathered in the streets of the cities. Thous ands of men accounted rich became beggars. Almost all the great industries ceased and tens of thousands of laboring men were turned out of employment. Bank paper became worthless and gold and silver exceedingly scarce. After raging some months the panic began to subside and financial affairs to right themselves. But untold ruin had been wrought and the country did not recover from its effects, for years. Minnesota was of course in the maelstrom with the rest of the nation. In this county, then so sparcely settled and the money being mainly gold and silver, the great panic was not so suddenly and disastrously manifest, but it had its etfects in a year

The First Census

The Enabling Act authorized the taking of a census, or enumeration of the inhabitants of the Territory for the purpose of determining the number of members of Congress the proposed State would be entitled to on admission into the Union.

Andrew C. Dunn was appointed deputy marshal, to take the census of this county The work was completed in September and the population of the county was at that time, as appears from the State files, six hundred and eighty-nine, though it was otherwise reported to be over seven hundred.

It was merely an enumeration of the inhabitants. No other statistics were taken. The writer has made repeated but fruitless efforts to obtain a copy of this census. It would be of great interest as exhibiting the names of the residents of the county at that time.

In this and the following year occurred one of the most wonderful and general religious revivals ever known in America. It has been well said that "It was in a word the American Pentacost, the great religious epoch of the national century, unequalled in earnestness, union and universality by any similar movement that had preceded it in the history of the western world." It was not confined to any particular class of people, or religious bodies. Even among religious denominations unaccustomed to what are termed "revival meetings," the movement exhibited itself very early in acts of co-operation with others, in earnest prayers and in great and daily labors for the promotion and success of the work. It surpassed in many of its aspects, the religious movement commenced many years later (in 1875) under the auspices of Messrs. Moody and Sankey.

Oq the 19th day of September the first political convention ever assembled in this county met at Blue Earth City. It was a republican mass convention aud was called for the purpose of nominating candidates for legislative and county offices. Prior to this time no political questions hud beeu raised.

It was claimed that the democrats were in the majority in the county, and it could not be disputed, as the party lines had never been drawn and the test made.

Two republicans at Blue Earth City concluded to test the matter and called this convention. It was well attended and harmonious. A declaration of principles was adopted, nominations made, a county central committee elected and the party organized, wiiicli organization continues to this day.

By a previous arrangement between the leading republicans of the two counties, it was agreed not to hold a joint convention for the nomination of legislative candidates, but that Faribault county should nominate two candidates for representatives and Freeborn county should nominate the candidate for senator and one representative. The following nominations were made by this convention :

The Rejjublican convention of Freeborn County, nominated Dr. George Watson for Senator and A. H. Bartlett for one of the Representatives, both of Freeborn County.

James L. McCrery, Allen Shultis and Geo. K. Moulton were elected Justices of the Peace. Theo. Bowen, G. S. Converse, Henry R. Walker and B. Madison were elected Constables and Geo. D. McArthur, D. J. Sparks and Ed. Sumner. Road Supervisors, and Albin Johnson, John Haggin and H. T. Stoddard, Assessors.

This election showed that the whole vote of the county was about two hundred and twenty in this year and that both the legislative district and the county were Republican in iiolitics.

The First Weddings

On the 6th day of November two weddings occurred at Blue Earth City, which were doubtless the first in the county and as such are entitled to a place in this history. The parties were Fred. Mittlesdorf and Miss Dora Miller, and Henry Miller and Miss Mary Drager. The marriages were solemnized by James L. McCrery, Esq., Justice of the Peace. It is written "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother and shall cleave unto his wife and they shall be one flesh."

"As Isaac ami Rebecca lived faithfully together, so these persons may surely perform and keep tlie vow and covenant betwixt them made, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together."

I never dreamed of such a fate, When I a - lass was courted - Wife, mother, nurse, seamstress, cook, housekeeper, chambermaid, laundress, dairy-woman, and scrub generally, dolpg the work of six. For the sakeof being supported!

The Long Parliament

The first State Legislature, though the State had not yet been admitted to the Union, assembled at the Capital, December 2d, 1857, and continued in session until March 25th, 1858, when a recess was taken until June 2d, when it again met and continued in session until Aug. 12th, when it finally adjourned. The State had in the meantime been admitted. The transition from a Territorial to a State government and many great public interests, demanding attention, created the necessity for much legislation. The acts passed at the session having special reference to this county are named in the history of the next year.

The representatives of this district, appearing at the opening of the '"long parliament," were Geo. Watson in the Senate and J. B. Wakefield. A. H. Bartlett and W. N. Dunham in the House. Andrew C. Dunn, of this county, was secretary of the senate. Mr. Geo B. Kingsley, however, claimed the seat occupied by Mr. Dunham and proceeded to contest the same. The facts in relation to the matter were as follows. By the ofiicial canvass of the votes cast for representatives, Mr. Dunham, it appeared, had four hundred and nineteen votes, and Mr. Kingsley four hundred and thirteen votes in the entire district and Mr. Dunham received the certificate of election. But it appeared from the testimony taken on the investigation, that the entire vote of Bear Lake Precinct No. 5, in Freeborn county, in which Mr. Kingsley had received thirty-eight votes and Mr. Dunham seventeen votes, had been rejected by the canvassing board of Freeborn county, on the ground that nine illegal votes had been cast and 'other irregularities had occurred in the election. The legislature decided that the returns from this precinct were improperly rejected by the canvassing board, and now deducting the nine illegal votes from the thirty-eight received by Mr. Kingsley left him twenty-nine votes, which added to the four hundred and thirteen votes cast for him elsewhere in the district, and adding the seventeen votes for Mr. Dunham to the four hundred and nineteen votes received, by him elsewhere in the district, and the result was for Kingsley four hundred and forty-two, for Dunham four hundred thirty-six, leaving Kingsley a clear majority of six votes all of which appearing satisfactorily to the House, Kingsley was admitted to the seat.

Immigration

Notwithstanding the Indian excitement, the great financial revulsion and some other unfavorable circumstances, the immigration during the summer and fall was large and the population of this county was greatly increased and the building and other improvements were extensive and permanent. It was really the first year of substantial and encouraging progress. It was indeed a year among the most eventful in the history of the State and the county, but the events of the time are already fast growing dim in the memories of the people, while many of the principal actors in the events of both the State and the county are now sleeping in their graves.

The Work Of The Solons

The laws passed by the first State Legislature referred to in the preceding chapter, specially relating to this county, were the following :

In those days, before the existence of railroads, state roads were deemed of groat importance, being usually established between important points and across two or more counties. The fact that a village was a crossing point, or the terminus of a number of state roads, was held to be a matter of great consequence, and the legislature was often asked to authorize the establishment of these highways. Some of these roads, attracting and directing the course of travel and traffic, in natural and convenient channels, served to ci'eate the necessity for, and prove the practicability of certain great lines of railway, subsequently built, of which they were the forerunners. State roads are seldom ever heard of now.

The commissioners met at Blue Earth City on the 9th day of January. At this session the first lists of grand and petit jurors were selected. The lists consisted of fifty grand and seventy-two petit jurors. The task of selecting these numbers of suitable persons for jurymen, at that time, was rather a difficult one, and the lists embraced about all the talented, ablebodied and respectable settlers in the county, not in the legal and ministerial professions. None of these jurors were, however, called upon to serve, as no term of court was held this year.

The board met again on the fifth day of April. More business was transacted at this session than at any preceding one, and it was much the most important session yet held. A new election precinct

An act having been passed by the legislature establishing in each county a board of road commissioners, to which everything pertaining to public roads should be referred, the county board appointed W. J. C. Robertson and J. L. McCrery road commissionei-s and they, with the county surveyor, then J. A. Kiester, who was by law ex-officio a member of the board, constituted the board of road commissioners. A number of the principal county roads still existing, were established by this board.

The county commissioners at this session, after a great deal of discussion and profound meditation, decided to have a general assessment made of all the taxable property of the county and levy a tax for public purposes. It had become impossible to conduct the affairs of the county longer, without paying the expenses.

Accordingly for the purpose of making assessments, Winnebago City precinct No. one was assigned to H. T. Stoddard, assessor. Blue Earth City precinct No. two was assigned to Albin Johnson, assessor, and Walnut Lake precinct No. three was assigned to John Haggin, assessor. Mr. Stoddard appointed Grover C. Burt, deputy, who made the assessment of district No. one and Mr. Haggin appointed Albert Tower, deputy, who made the assessment of district No. three and Mr. Johnson made the assessment of his district, No. two, personally, and these three gentlemen were the first assessors in this county.

At this session also the first batch of bills against the county was audited and amounted in all to ipl74.40. There have been few, if any, sessions of the board since that day, at which the auditing of bills was not the chief business. The other action of the Board at this session is noted elsewhere.

Spring Rains And Floods

The spring was late and stormy and the rains were so incessant that the farmers could scarcely get in their crops, though some little wheat was sown early in April. Only the highest grounds could be cultivated and much seed rotted in the ground. This year will ever be memorable with the old settlers as the wettest in the history of the county. All low lands were overflowed. Creeks became rivers and the rivers widened out over the bottom lands into seemingly permanent lakes, but still it continued to rain. The roads became imj)assable and overflowed in every direction. Some prophesied another deluge. Everything was wet and dripping and on every hand were fathomless mud and seas of water. Occasionally for a day the sky would clear up and the blessed sun would shine, but it afforded no hope and it had become a truthful, as well as a standing remark, ' 'Well it has cleared up for another shower."

To add to the discomfort of the times, great clouds of mosquitoes tilled the air, as evening approached and annoyed the people beyond endurance. Sultry heat, constant rains, deep mud and swarms of mosquitoes, were the characteristics of the spring and summer. And the reader should know that the mosquitoes of the early years of this county were not the puny littje husks which a breath would demolish, such as we see occasionally now-a-days. They were large, bony fellows, with long nibs, ferocious songs, a diabolical aspect and blood thirsty instincts, and possessed of a courage that baffled the most heroic defence. Great smudges of chips, dry grass and green weeds, making a smoke stitjng enough to tan a hide, had to be built in the summer evenings to protect the devoted settlers from the attacks of these cannibals.

"Of all the plagues hot summer brings, Whether they move on legs or wings, The little wretch that closest clings. The thing that most our patience wrings," Is the nasty little mosquito.

The writer should probably apologize for an occasional frivolous remark or amusing incident in this work, yet while it is well to keep in mind the dignity and gravity of history, we may also remember that

The Five Million Loan

The legislature having proposed an amendment to the Constitution of the State authorizing the loan of the credit of the State, to the amount of tive million of dollars, to aid the land grant railroad companies, in the construction of their roads, the amendment was voted upon by the people on the 15th day of April. The amendment was adopted by a large majority. The vote of this county was favorable to the amendment but the returns of the vote cast here did not reach the State Canvassing Board and were not counted. There were many at the time who doubted the expediency of the measure. The debt was a very large one to be incurred by so young a State. People were not then as familiar with enormous public debts as they afterwards became during the war. Some doubted the good faith of the transaction and so expressed themselves. - But the hard times, the great importance of railroads to the development of the country and the hope that their construction would give labor and greatly increase the amount of money in circulation - in short malie good times, superceded every otlier consideration. The bonds of the State known as the "Minnesota State Railroad Bonds" were subsequently issued to the amount of two millioa two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars, bearing interest, payable semi-annually, at the rate of seven per cent, per annum. Only a certain amount of grading was done to procure these bonds. The roads were not built and the whole project fell through. For more than twenty years the payment or even any adjustment looking to the payment of the principal or interest of these bonds was resisted by the people. An adjustment of the whole matter was reached finally in 1881.

The State Admitted

There was great rejoicing and some demonstrations made throughout the country, when it was anaounced that Congress had on the eleventh day of May, admitted Minnesota into the Union. The State Officei-s were sworn in on May 2-tth. The first State Officers were H. H. Sibley, Governor; Wm. Holcomb, Lieutenant Governor; Francis Baasen, Secretary of State; G. VV. Armstrong, Treasurer; W. F. Dunbar, Auditor and C. H. Berry, Attorney General. The leading strings and subordinate condition incident to the territorial organization were now dropped and Minnesota stood forth clothed in all the power and dignity of an equal state, with the motto emblazened on her forehead' "L'Etoile du Nord" - the Star of the North.

The following pronouncement is found in the confession of faith of one of the greatest of American religious bodies, and is, therefore entitled to the highest respect:

"Although the light of nature and the works of creation and providence do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom and power of God, as to leave man inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of His will, which is necessary unto salvation; therefore,it pleased the Lord at sundry times and in divers manners to reveal Himself and declare that His will unto His church, and afterwards for the better preserving and propagation of the truth and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the church against the corruption of the flesh and the malice of .Satan and of the world, to commit the nialtiT, the ertlcacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the styli-, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is to give all flory toGod), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man's salvation, the many otluT incompara- Me excellences and the entire perfection thereof are ar^juments whereby it doth abundantly evidence itself to be the word of God."

Saith Paul the Apostle. - "All scripture Is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, foY correction, for instruction in righteousness." .Second Timothy, 3:16.

On the 23d day of May of this j'ear, the Faribault County Bible Society was organized at Blue Earth City. As the records of the first six years of the society appear to have been lost, the names of the first officers cannot here be given. This society, it should be observed, was one of the first of the permanent institutions of the county. Until about the year 1866. the society was a branch of the Minnesota State Bible Society, but the State society becoming dis.solved at that time, our society was transferred to and became an auxilliary of the American Bible Society, one of the greatest and most beneficent institutions of modern times. There are other Bible societies in America doing a great woi'k. but our society has no connection with them.

The American Bible Society was instituted in May, 1816, in the city of New York. Brietly stated, the object of the societi^' is to promote the circulation throughout the world, of the Holy Scriptures, without note or comment. The King James translation, known as the authorized version, is the text used. What the course of the society may be. as to the "revision" of our daj', will probably take a number of years to decide. The society is wholly unsectarian and people of almost all shades of religious belief, are interested in the society. Prom gifts and bequests and other sources, the society has become very rich, its property amounting to millions. There may be dangers lying in the path of this great institution. It may become too rich; the conduct of its affairs too expensive; indolence in its great work may come with age and wealth^ind its methods become inadequate and behind the wants of the age. Rings may usurp its management and dissensions rend it asunder. Where such great interests are involved, prudence, suggesting possible misfortunes may aid in avoiding them. But hoping and believing that this noble institution is in God's care and keeping, let us have no fears of the future.

In each county, or district, where the society has an auxilliary, or branch, it has a number of depositories, where its various styles of publications are kept. They can be had very cheaply. A good copy of the Bible can be had for twenty-five cents and of the New Testament alone for five cents, and when the person who wants them is too poor to pay these prices, he can have them for nothing. Agents are also employed to canvass the county and visit every family and supply the destitute with the Scriptures.

Our local society has kept up its organization from its first institution and has carried out the purposes of its establishment with commendable success. To have in our midst an auxilliary of so beneficent a society, established so early in our history, and doing its Avork faithfully, is an honor to the county which should be duly appreciated.

"Blessed Lord, who has caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may in such manner hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy Holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life."'

The Bible is certainly the greatest, most unique and the most valuable book which has ever appeared on earth. It is prevaded and illumined by wisdom and knowledge which are above and beyond man.

There are those who are apprehensive of the alleged growing infidelity of the age and the results of what is known as the "higher criticism'' of the Scriptures, now dawning upon the world, and which latter is undoubtedly destined to still "higher" altitudes. Centuries have swept over the world, filled with doubt, perversion and infidelity, during which God and the Scriptures have been attacked from every side. Yet there are more intelligent believers in God and His Word today than ever before in the world's history. God and his word will take care of themselves.

There can be but little danger to them, from the wisdom of their assailants, or from any man, however learned, or intellectual, whose knowledge at best is so shallow and limited, that but for God's revelation found in the Scriptures, he cannot even tell from whence he came, or whither he is going, or for what possible purpose he has appeared in this world. There are no grounds for fear, dear reader.

An Indian Fleet

In the early part of June, a fleet of Indian canoes passed down the east branch of the Blue Earth river, from Walnut Lake, on their way to their reservation in Blue Earth county. The red skins passed Blue Earth City and also Winnebago City, without deigning to call. Owing to the state of feeling existing against the Indians, in consequence of the Spirit Lake massacre, they were somewhat guarded in their movements for a year or two after. They were at least as much afraid of Ihc Wlates as tVio Whiles were of them, and both sides acted a good deal in the spirit of the fellow, who, having got into a tight with the wrong man, said to the by standers, "Two of you hold the other fellow - one can hold me."

The First Fourth Of July

It is pleasant to record the fact in this history, that the people of this county, though situated upon the borders of civilization, and a little short of many things that go to make up an old fashioned Fourth of July celebration, still possessed the spirit of i)atriotism unimpaired. On the third day of July, the Fourth being Sunday, occurred the first celebration of Independence Day in this county. The day was very fine, being an exception to the weather of that summer. The people in Blue Earth City, and vicinity, assembled about ten o'clock in the forenoon, at Young's Hall. W. W. Knapp read the Declaration and J. A. Kiester delivered an address, after which there was some patriotic singing. Then a splendid free dinner was served in the hall and the program was closed for the day, but the festivities of the occasion were completed by two separate dances on Monday night, which lasted all night, and which, as related by those present, for real enjoj-raent, free and easj' manners, good will and flow of spirits, have never been surpassed to this day.

At Winnebago City also they had a celebration. It was held in a large rustic booth erected for the occasion. Guy K. Cleveland delivered the oration. A great dinner was prepared by the ladies - "a dinner that was in everybody's mouth for years afterwards." Here too a great ball closed the holiday proceedings. .

Dancing

Without intending to discuss this subject, or express any opinion upon it, being beyond the purview of this work, it is necessary that something be said in relation to it here, as connected with our history as a people. It may be remarked that dancing appears to be an amusement known among all peoples and to have been practiced in all ages of the world. The grossest and most ignorant, as well as many of the most refined and intellectual people everywhere appear to find a pleasure in dancing. The truth of this statement, is evident from the fact, that the chief amusement of the American Indian and of the howling Cannibals of the South Sea Islands, consists in their dances, and so also, we find that in the palaces of the cultured capitals of Europe and America, this is with many the most fashionable and most fascinating entertainment.

Dancing among the ancient Hebrews formed a part of their I'eligious ceremonies, and even in the Christian church, at an early period, "the dance was united with the hymn in Christian festivi- ties." But it must be remembered that these religious dances were very different in their character, their forms, postures and purposes from the dances for amusement of these days. The religious dances were modest, solemn, reverent, and having the intent of divine worship, while the modern, fashionable dance is but a social amusement and without a religious sentiment or purpose, and too often borders on the indelicate, the voluptious and sensual, and too often brings into close, personal contact and association, the pure minded with the immoral, in such manner as would not be allowed for an instant anywhere but in a ball room. But the views of people differ on these subjects and we shall not discuss them here.

Dancing is one of the chief social pastimes, or amusements, of most frontier or sparcely settled countries. In the early days of this county, that is, during the first five or six years, this was the principal amusement of the people. The excuse is found, if any is necessary, in the fact that there were no other social recreations or entertainments to be had. There was no established society. No libraries or reading rooms. No lectures and no concerts. No societies or other literary or social institutions to afford entertainment or instruction. During much of the time, even public religious services were infrequent.

Hence it was that all assemblages of the people, for any except religious purposes, were signalized by a dance as the proper closing exercises, if it did not constitute the principal business itself. The music in those days was made by one or more violinists and the dances were the cotillion, waltz, polka, schottish, French four and some few others now forgotten.

In the villages of Blue Earth City and Winnebago City, during the winter evenings, there would be at least one dance a week, and often two or three, which would be frequently attended by some of the people of both places, interchanging courtesies and by the folks from the country. The middle aged as well as the young, the sober as well as the gay, would participate. They continued generally not only to the "wee sma hours ayant the twal" but often all night "till broad day light in the morning." Many persons took part in these dances, with great ease and grace and exactness of time, who today would not be suspicioned of ever having seen a ball room. All seemed to enjoy themselves and everything was conducted with decency and politeness. There were no stately formalities. No uncomfortable restraints, no division into classes of upper ten and lower million. Fine dress, or calico gown, broad cloth coat, or "baggin" trousers created no distinctions, but all joined with hearty cheerfulness, for what was called "a good social

"On with the dance, let joy Ik- um-nnllned; No sleep till luom when youth and pleasure meet To chase the ^'lowintr hours with tlying foetl"' But not the villages alone had their dances. Many a log cabin with its "puncheon'" floor in the country in those early days rang with the "sound of revelry by night" where from far and near would be gathered "fair women and brave men," in all sorts of toilets, who obeyed the injunction of that other eminent poet, Joshua B., in the following stanza:

"Now Kalhcr round the kitchen Are, And pile the chunlvs on hier and higher; Get out the old llddle and partners choose, And shal<(' her down in your cow-hide shoes." It may be observed that generally, as people grow older and have the benefit of wider observation and more extended knowledge, the view.s they entertained of dancing in their youth, become greatly changed and they come to look upon this amusement as frivolous and as inimical to physical and moral health.

Business

On the 5th day of July the county boai'd met and as they had neglected at the January session to choose a chairman for the year, they now proceeded to that weighty business and C.,W. Wilson was raised to the dignity of chairman. At the next session of the board held August 25th, the rate of tax was fixed at one-fourth of one per cent, for county purposes, to which was added by law onehalf of one per cent, for state purposes, making but three-fourths of one per cent, as the entire rate of the first tax levied in this

The First Assessment

The assessors returns were all made the latter part of August, and as this was the first assessment in the county, the following table of the valuations is of interest.

The Harvest

The harvest throughout the state was not abundant, and in this county was very little. No surplus was yet raised for export and the home prices of farm products were very low. The year was a discouraging one for the farmer and consequently for everyone else, for there is no permanent success in business of any kind in a merely agricultural community, unless the farmer is first prosperous. The tiller of the soil is the first and principal producer of wealth ; others are in the main but exchangers and consumers, and the farmers success or failure is the success or failure of the community.

Hard Times

The early years of Faribault county were characterized by the want of money. This is doubtless true of most new countries, but it was peculiarly so of this county; New settlements are almost always poor in money, because all the money brought in by immigrants is at once invested in permanent, fixed property and improvements and some years must necessarily pass before such communities produce any surplus, from which they can get any money. Capital is more needed and its benefits more apparent in the first settlement of a country than ever after, for the country being new produces nothing, yet everything in the way of improvement is an immediate necessity. Formerly many years were passed by the settlers of the new territories, in a state of semi-barbarism for the want of schools, churches, railroads, even common roads and bridges, the security of local governments, society and many other blessings of civilized life, because of the lack of capital. Of late years, however, in many instances in the settlement of the new countries, capital goes with the settler and in a comparatively few years, all the conveniences of an old settled country are enjoyed. To add to the natural causes of poverty here the great commercial revulsion of 1857, reduced the prices of land everywhere, crippled commerce and all industries and immigrants who came into this county, about this time, came with less money of course, than they would otherwise have done. The greater part of the money in circulation from the first settlement of the county, until 1861, was gold and silver, but in small quantities. Bank paper was greatly depreciated. A bushel basket full of it might be worth something and might not - most probably not.

Money became exceedingly scarce and in the year of which we write it was loaned at from thirty to sixty per cent, on mortgage security. There is no legitamate business that can pay such rates, and a whole community burdened with them, is not benefitted - cannot be in any view of the case. Neither the productive powers of the soil, nor the commercial advantages of any community in existence, can endure it long and prosper. The inevitable evil results always follow. The country is drained of its money to pay iutei'est to nonresidents, instead of being expended in permanent improvements. Lands taken in good faith as the homestead of the settler, finally passes into the hands of the money loaner and the borrower becomes bankrupt and must commence life anew. For many years this county has borne a heavy burden in this respect. Loans at such exorbitant rates of interest were made in this county as early as 1857, but in the year of which we now write, became more general and continued for many years thereafter. Thousands of acres of land were preempted in this county, the pre-emptors getting the means to do so at thirty and forty per cent, by securing the debt on the lands, and other thousands of acres were mortgaged for money at these high rates for other purposes, and much of such lands were subsequently sold in payment of the debts under mortgage foreclosure and were never redeemed by the mortgagors. Owing to the productiveness of our soil, the healthfulness of the climate and the energy of the people, the evil effects of these things were not so great even here, as in some other sections of the country. The effects to some extent in this, as well as in some other features of the financial crash, had just reached us in this year and hard times began, but this year did not see the worst of it, as we shall see subsequently.

The Comet

Let us turn now for a moment from the affairs of earth, to the innumerable worlds in the vast expanse above us. Behold 1 how the heavens do "declare the glory of God." In September of this year Donati"s comet visited our heavens and excited the admiration and wonder and perhaps the fears of some of its beholders. This comet, though smaller than some others, exceeded almost all others in the brilliancy of its head. It passed its perihelion, or nearest point to the sun, approaching within 55,000,000 of miles on the 29th of September and was nearest the earth, within 52,000,000 of miles, on the 12th of October. Its train was estimated to be 51,000,000 of miles in length and its period over 2,000 years.

These singular bodies, have for thousands of years, been looked upon with dread by the great mass of the inhabitants of the earth. They have been considered ominous of the wrath of heaven and the harbingers of wars, pestilence and famine, the downfall of monarchs and the destruction of empires. Nor were these opinions always confined to the unlearned. The eminent writer, Farrar, says that "It is conceded by manj' wise and candid observers, even by the great Niebuhr, the last man in the world'to be carried away by credulity, or superstition, that great catastrophies and unusual phenomena in nature, have as a matter of fact - however we may choose to interpret such a fact - synchronized in a remarkable manner, with great events in liuman history." But science has greatly divested these phenomena of their terrors. Yet what important ends comets are designed to accomplish in the economy of the universe, what regions they visit when they pass beyond our vision, "On the long travel of a thousand years," or what are their exact physical constitution, are questions beyond the powers of human knowledge even now to answer. Oh Omnipotent Creator and Governor of all things! Are these the messengers of thy wrath, or thy mercy!

The mention of this brilliant visitor, which filled the evening skies with splendor, recalls the eloquent words in reference to it, of that great scholar and statesman, Edward Everett. These are his admirable words :

"Return, thou mysterious traveller, to the depths of the heavens, never again to be seen by the eyes of men now living! Thou hast run thy race v?ith glory: millions of eyes have gazed upon thee viilh wonder; but they shall never look upon thee again. Since thy last appearance in the lower skies, empires' languages, and races of men have passed away; the Macedonian, the Alexandrian, the Augustan, the Parthian, the Byzantine, the Saracenic, the Ottoman dynasties sunk or sinking into the gulf of ages. Since thy last appearance, old continents have relapsed into ignorance, and new worlds have come out from behind the veil of waters, the Magian flres are quenched on the hiil-tops of Asia; the Chaldean seer is blind; the Egyptian hierogrammatist has lost his cunning; the oracles are dumb. Wisdom now dwells in furtherest Thule, or in newly-discovered worlds beyond the sea. Haply when wheeling up again from the celestial abysses, thou art once more seen by the dwellers on earth, the languages we speak shall also be forgotten, and science shall have fled to the uttermost corners of the earth. But even then His Hand, thao now marks out thy wondrous circuit, shall still guide thy course; and then as now Hesper will

County orders have fluctuated in value, greatly, in this county. For many years they were under par, sometimes getting as low as twenty-five cents on the dollar and were held at various prices, at various times, up to a dollar. For some years past they have been l^ar and will continue so, doubtless, but they have never been known to command a premium.

It is exceedingly poor economy in the county authorities to permit such a condition of the county finances as will cause county orders or warrants to get below par. All services rendered for the county must very soon be paid at a price advanced just in proportion to the depreciation of county orders.

and such has been the actual fact in this county. And it is stated as a historical fact that this county and many others in the State have paid thousands of dollars in excess of what they should have paid had a correct policy been pursued. On the one hand all public expenses should be kept down to the minimnm and the people should exercise more vigilence than they do. in seeing that their servants make no unnecessary expenses and then on the other hand, as a part of a correct financial system, it should be required that an amply sufficient tax should be levied each year to meet at once all claims against the school district, the town and the county, on presentation.

The Fall Election

The chief "bone of contention" in this election was the office of Register of Deeds. It was commonly understood that no legislature would meet the ensuing winter and the contest for representatives was therefore, but slight, though some canvassing was done by the candidates.

By Act passed August 13th, the Legislature instituted a newsystem of County Government and provided for township organization. In pursuance of this act, the Governor a^jpointed Andrew C. Dunn, Jas. S. Latimer and R. P. Jenness, commissioners to divide the county into towns and name them, jireparatory to organization. The commissioners met at Winnebago City on the 27th of September, and performed their duties under the act. In October the township organization went into effect. A fuller statement of this matter is found in another part of this history.

The commissioners met October 4, but did nothing of public interest, and on the 28th day of October they met again and for the last time, as they were superseded by a new authority instituted by the township organization act, known as the board of county supervisors. The commissioners at this last meeting approved an official bond and then adjourned sine die. Probably as this was the last meeting of the old board, they would have done something appropriate to the occasion had they known that they were making history. However, the clerk of the board appears to have appreciated the solemnity of the event and after the adjournment entered of record the following remarks: - "For about three years this board has managed the affairs of the county, and of those who constituted the board, it is but just to say, that they have ever given the best satisfaction, and always had the confidence of the people. May the power that succeeds them, ever regard the real interests of the county, and be dilligent in their labors to promote them."

Although the times were hard, and the weather during a large part of the year very unfavorable, quite anumberof men of enterprise and of some capital became residents of the county this year and many substantial improvements wei-e made. In those days persons coming into the county, usually came first to the villages to make inquiries as to the most eligible lands to be had, and for some years residents of the villages spent much time, and that without fee or reward, in showing vacant lands to the newcomers. During the first two or three years immigrants were very exacting, and must have claims with at least eighty acres of timber and living water, with good pi-airie adjoining. Subsequently they were satisfied with from forty down to ten acres of timber, with liviag water and good prairie for the balance of the claim. Afterwards their demands were satisfied with simply good prairie and running water - then to be near the timber and streams, and finally they were glad to get claims far out on the prairies. It was long thought that the prairies, beyond four or five miles from the limber, would probably never be settled, or if so, at a very late day. Yet but a few years passed and the prairies were all dotted over with the cabins of settlers, and to-day many of the largest and best farms in the county are located far out on these very prairies. Lands in those days were taken under the pre-emption laws, the homestead laws not having yet been passed. They cost one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. An actual residence upon the land for a certain length of time, the erection of a dwelling and some other improvements were required before the pre-emptor could "prove up' as it was called, or in other words pay up and get title to the land. Actual settlers usually complied with the letter and spirit of the law, but there was always a floating population that sought to preempt these lands by a veiy imperfect compliance with the pre-emption laws, and there were many very imperfect preemptions. Consciences were often very elastic.

To make a colorable compliance with the law, various subterfuges and pretences were resorted to, some of which were quite ingenious and amusing. In one instance some four quarter sections were pre-empted by four young men, who remained in the country but a few days and had for a house four rails, which they laid together in the form of a square and called it a house, which they moved from one quarter to another, sleeping within the enclosure one night on each quarter. A few grape vines stretched around a small tract, was called a fence. In another instance a small company of pre-empters erected a house 16 by 24, having two doors and four windows, which they moved from one to the other of their respective claims for pre emption purposes. The house was 16 by 24 inches and 12 inches high.

One made proof that he had a house on the land having a stone foundation and a board lloor and this was, in fact, a shanty built of poplar poles, each corner of which rested on a small stone and the floor was the earth, in which the pre-empter had bored a hole - it was a bored floor. Often the I'esidence on the land, re(iuired by law, was deemed complied with, in the mind of the pre-emptor, if he had spent a Sunday on the land hunting ducks.

But little remains to add to the record of this j'ear. It may be noted as the most uneventful and in some respects, the most unprofitable in the history of the county, and the record is soon written.